It’s first thing in the morning, and you’re taking a leisurely stroll through the garden, coffee cup in hand – when you see that it’s happened yet again: those lovingly planted lettuce seedlings have disappeared, with just a chewed edge left behind. Snails and slugs are probably among the most dreaded of our garden companions. But rather than reaching for the slug pellets it’s worth turning to nature for the answers

 – there are many plants snails just can’t stand, and these are the ones you need to make your friends.

Whether it’s fragrant aromatic herbs, robust root veg or drought-loving flowers – here’s a selection of plants snails generally leave unmunched – and all of them work brilliantly in natural gardens.

Helpful herbs

Herbs like thyme, sage, lavender, rosemary and hyssop are not just valuable kitchen companions – they’re also a turn-off for snails. Their highly fragrant oils have a deterrent effect, and many of them also have the textured leaf structure snails avoid. At the same time they’re low-maintenance and attractive to bees – making them a great choice for edging beds and borders or for sunny herb corners.

Colourful flowering plants

Some ornamental flowering beauties also lack snail appeal. Marigold might get a nibble or two but will quickly regenerate and keep on tirelessly flowering. Alliums (ornamental onions) produce striking globe-shaped flowers with an intense fragrance snails really hate.  Coneflower and nasturtium – the latter in dry locations especially – complete the picture, adding colour and shape, and also supporting beneficial insects.

Veg with vigour

Many standard vegetable plants are vulnerable to snails and slugs – but there are some exceptions. Chard and beetroot generally hold up well, as soon as they’re past the seedling stage. Fennel is often left untouched and and also brings fragrance to a vegetable bed. Especially recommended are deep-rooted species like parsnips, black salsify and Jerusalem artichoke: they form tough leaves and aren’t especially attractive to snails – which means all the more for you.

Snail-proof structure

Some plants not only bring shape and height to the garden but also function as natural barriers. Cranesbill forms dense clumps with slightly hairy leaves – snails will mostly make a detour round it. Mullein and lady’s mantle are two more plants that will thrive without being nibbled.

As well as deliberately choosing more resilient species you can also make your garden less snail-friendly with a few simple moves:

• Place tender plants in dry, sunny spots where snails don’t like to be.

• Mulch with dry materials like wood shavings, chipped bark or hemp straw – this makes it more difficult for snails to get about.

• Keep your beds airy and structured, avoid waterlogged patches and close plantings.

Apart from this it’s worth encouraging snails’ natural predators. Ducks, toads, hedgehogs, slow-worms and birds are your secret heroes in the battle against the snail deluge. A pile of leaves, a mini-rockery or a sheltered damp patch can encourage them to make a home in your garden.

However much of a nuisance they may seem, snails and slugs have their own part to play in the life of a natural garden. They help to break down decaying plants and provide a valuable food source for many other creatures. Rather than trying to fight them it’s worth taking the gentle way: observing, understanding – and smart planting.

Because with the right combination of snail-resistant plants, good maintenance and a little patience you’ll find your own way to a balanced and living garden – and you’ll be able to enjoy that leisurely morning stroll without a care in the world.